Foreign Data Distribution:

On the public release of data, stored in NGS databases,

for locations outside of the USADru Smith

Chief Geodesist, NGS

Briefing for FGCSNov 14, 2012 1

Outline

• NGS holds a significant amount of data in its databases that is not in the USA– 2 Categories• Given to NGS (with/without restrictions)• Collected by NGS

• This data has scientific and political usefulness– NGS would like it to be more available

Nov 14, 2012 Briefing for FGCS 2

Policy

• Currently: Opt-In–We won’t distribute your data unless you tell us to

• Proposed: Opt-Out–We distribute the data unless you tell us not to • Some data is already tagged with a non-disclosure

agreement which will remain in effect:– FAA: Certain points in Airport Surveys– NGA: Nearly all spot gravity data

Nov 14, 2012 Briefing for FGCS 3

Examples of “why”?

• NAVD 88 datum definition point “Father Point/Rimouski” is not available from NGS

• Confusing status of international CORS data availability from NGS website

• Canada offers up USA and Canada data publicly already

Nov 14, 2012 Briefing for FGCS 4

NGS Gravity (not NGA)

Nov 14, 2012 Briefing for FGCS 5

NGS IDB (mostly NAD 83 and NAVD 88 points)

Nov 14, 2012 Briefing for FGCS 6

Ways forward

• New “open use” policy for all data from this point forward

• Existing data: check / agreement from:– FGCS• Specific sign-off by DoD and DoS recommended by

NOS General Counsel

– Canada, Mexico and all other countries involved– NOAA data council– General Council– NOS International Affairs

Nov 14, 2012 Briefing for FGCS 7

Questions?

• Dru Smith or Colin Becker

• Dru.smith@noaa.gov• Colin.becker@noaa.gov

Nov 14, 2012 Briefing for FGCS 8